Emkoo warning lights
Chinese automakers have stepped up the game regarding tech and features in the vast new swathe of vehicles entering the South African market. Gone are standard radios and analogue gauge clusters. In their place are large TFT touchscreens and digital readouts for the driver. Even though the tech has changed, the iconography is still the same.
Related: GAC Motors Emkoo (2024) First Drive Review
The symbols used on switchgear and those you may find in the driver's binnacle are the same as they have been for decades. When it comes to the warning lights you may encounter, these are an ISO standard and will be the same no matter the car you drive. The backlight colours may be either red or yellow, but they all point to the same thing. If you see one of these on the new GAC Emkoo, you will know what it means and can address the problem without hassle.
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Yellow triangle with an exclamation point
This is the main warning light that lets you know that an alert error has been logged and will be illuminated until you acknowledge that you have seen it. It logs every alert and stores them in the vehicle's ECU.
Petrol pump
This alert lets you know that you are running low on fuel or the vehicle's fuel delivery system is malfunctioning.
Crossed out person
This alert lets you know the driver or passengers have not buckled their seatbelts. It may come as a single indicator or the vehicle may have a layout that shows which seatbelt is unbuckled. An audible pinging sound will usually accompany this until the offending seatbelt is latched.
Floating key
This floating key indicates a thermometer and alerts you if the vehicle's coolant level is too hot. Some vehicles will have colour-changing versions indicating if the coolant is below freezing. This often warns you that the car is overheating or the cooling system is malfunctioning.
Wheel spinning car
This alert will go off if the traction control system is deactivated or actively functioning. It prevents the car from losing traction or allows the driver to actively break traction.
ABS circle
This alert will go off if the anti-lock braking system malfunctions or will flash rapidly if it actively prevents the brakes from locking up under heavy braking.
Circle with an exclamation point or P
This alert will illuminate if the handbrake is activated or if there is a problem with the brakes. If you release the handbrake, electrical or manual, this alert should disappear. If it does not, there is a problem with the braking system, and you should not drive the car at all.
Battery
This warning light will come on if there is a problem with the car's battery or if there is a problem with the car's charging system.
Engine
This warning light will illuminate if there is a problem with the car's sensor array that controls the engine (ECU). If it stays illuminated, the sensor malfunctions and the engine will not run properly.
Oil Can
Sadly, if this warning light comes on and stays on, it is too late. It means the engine's oil level is below operating levels, and you are running low on oil. You risk serious engine damage if you continue operating without checking and refilling oil.
U-shape with an exclamation point
This warning light points toward the TPMS, or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. This alert will come if one or more of your car's tyres run below operating pressure. It could indicate a puncture or an underinflated wheel.
Square with wings
This warning light lets you know that one of the doors is not closed. You will need to check each door to ensure it is properly latched. Until the door is closed properly, there will usually be an audible pinging sound.
